JP2013535272A - Toothbrush with reactive composition for remineralization of teeth - Google Patents

Abstract

The toothbrush according to the present invention comprises the brush means, the means for supporting the brush means, the brush means or the brush means so that it remains inactive during storage and is activated only when it comes into contact with water or saliva. And a one-part or two-part dental treatment composition that is activated when wet. The method of the present invention also includes brushing teeth with the toothbrush, optionally brushing the brush means with water before the brush means is wet with saliva or brushing teeth, and the composition comprises relime React to form a therapeutic composition that provides fluorination, bleaching, and / or fluorination.
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Description

  The present invention relates to the field of dentistry, and more particularly to tools and methods for treating teeth. More specifically, the present invention relates to a toothbrush comprising a composition incorporated in a brush, or the handling thereof.

  In the field of toothbrushes, disposable toothbrushes have been proposed in which various types of compositions are bonded to or incorporated within the brush means. For example, Sanduja US Pat. No. 5,783,249 discloses a disposable toothbrush having a mint-flavored toothpaste composition coupled to a brush means. Cook U.S. Pat. No. 3,076,218 discloses a toothbrush handle containing fluoride. Atkin's US Pat. No. 7,575,387 describes one that is tailored to the shape of a dry toothpaste that is placed in a dimple so that when the toothbrush is wet, the pellets or balls become a gel and ready for brushing. Or a toothbrush with two partial spherical pockets is disclosed. Hohlbein U.S. Pat. No. 7,182,542 discloses a disposable toothbrush comprising a rupturable container containing a dentifrice connected to the brush portion of a toothbrush head for dispensing the dentifrice to the teeth. Yes.

  In the field of disposable toothbrushes for one-time use, cheaper handles and brushes have been used compared to toothbrushes designed for long-term use. Such disposable toothbrushes have brush hair and handle similar in appearance to toothbrushes for long-term use, or small brush hair as disclosed in Porcelli US Pat. No. 5,678,273. An applicator configured to attach to the thumb ball of the user's fingertip so that the finger functions as an articulated handle for a brush consisting of a high density array of multi-strand filamentous loops forming It has been known. MacDonald U.S. Pat. No. 3,070,102 also discloses a disposable toothbrush having bristles supported on a flexible elongated strip that adheres to a user's finger. Cole, U.S. Pat. No. 5,348,153, discloses a disposable toothbrush that fits on a finger having brush means attached to a sheath configured to be spread at the fingertip of a user.

  In the dental field, using one part and two part compositions to remineralize teeth, and one part to add fluorine to the teeth The use of compositions and two-part compositions has also been proposed by others. For example, Winston US Pat. Nos. 5,571,502, 5,603,922, and 6,485,708 are two-part and one-part compositions for remineralizing teeth. Disclosed are compositions that are largely non-reactive until they are introduced into the oral cavity. In the case of a one-part remineralized composition, Winston is applied professionally or is a toothpaste, gel, professional, obtained by formula, mouthwash, rinse, troche, chewing gum, troche etc. Disclosed for use in the form of a gel. In the case of a two-part composition, Winston is bonded outside the oral cavity to form a paste in which the first composition is isolated from the second composition and applied to the teeth. It is disclosed that. Abate U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,198 and Lee U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,754 are combined, formed into a paste, and form insoluble precipitates on and under the teeth. A two-part composition for remineralizing teeth is disclosed that is applied to the tooth surface to which the diffused ions react. Blake-Haskins U.S. Pat. No. 5,723,107 discloses a two-component dentifrice for fluorinating teeth and Zaidel U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0136929 describes a two-component dentifrice. Tooth whitening dentifrices are disclosed.

  Various methods of applying the above two-part remineralization, whitening, and fluorinated compositions are taught in these patents, patent publications, etc., but each is cumbersome, difficult, cumbersome, excessive Expensive and other disadvantages. For example, Zaidel discloses a dispensing container such as a double syringe.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that is more convenient, more efficient, and less cumbersome to provide and apply a fluorinated composition to teeth remineralization, whitening, or teeth. .

  This purpose, and others that will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings, are brush means, means for supporting the brush means, and remain inactive during storage and in contact with water or saliva. In one aspect, the present invention includes a toothbrush comprising a therapeutic composition for remineralizing, whitening, or fluorinating teeth incorporated in the brush means or means for supporting the brush means to activate only. Achieved by:

  In another aspect, the invention includes a method of treating a tooth comprising activating the composition and brushing the tooth with a toothbrush to remineralize, whiten or fluorinate the user's tooth.

  In some embodiments, the composition is a two-part composition selected from the group consisting of a remineralized composition, a whitening composition, and a fluorinated composition.

  Depending on the particular application, in an embodiment using a two-part composition, the two parts of the composition can be incorporated into separate parts of the brush means. The separate parts are separated by minimal contact or, preferably, parts that do not have the composition. The two parts will then not touch each other until the toothbrush is wet with water or saliva and toothbrushing begins. In other embodiments, one or two of the two-part compositions are placed on a brush support means such as a handle having a tube or partitioned compartment that is ruptured and compressed to squeeze the composition, for example. Has been.

  In some embodiments, the composition is a stable one-part composition comprising two or more salts in a hydrophilic, non-aqueous medium.

  In one embodiment, the composition comprises at least one water-soluble calcium compound and at least one water-soluble phosphate compound in a hydrophilic non-aqueous medium containing glycerin, and optionally a water-soluble fluorine compound. A stable, one-part remineralization composition.

  The toothbrush can be prepared by dipping the brush means in a one-part tooth composition and drying. In other embodiments, a portion of the whitening or fluorinated composition can be applied to the brush means in a similar manner.

  In some embodiments, the toothbrush includes a first piece of the first composition on the brush means and a second piece of the second composition that is separated from the first piece, The composition and the second composition do not come into contact with each other.

  In other embodiments, the composition has the form of a dry powder incorporated on or within the brush means so that the toothbrush is stably stored.

  The toothbrush is one or two parts on the brush means or in the means supporting the brush means so that the composition remains inactive during storage and is activated only when contacted with water or saliva. And a toothbrush having brush means and means for supporting the brush means.

  In some embodiments, the composition comprises a first portion incorporated into the first chamber of the means for supporting the brush means and a second portion incorporated into the second chamber of the means for supporting the brush means. The first part and the second part are released from the means for supporting the brush means to the brush means when a mechanical force is applied to the means for supporting the brush means, and when in contact with each other, water or saliva The toothbrush is configured to react in the presence.

  Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reference to the following detailed description and attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment in which the dental treatment composition is a two-part composition and the two parts are incorporated into different parts of the brush means. FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a toothbrush in which the dental treatment composition is a single composition. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the toothbrush of FIG. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the toothbrush of FIG. 5 wetted with water from a faucet. FIG. 8 is a side view showing a composition activated by contact with water in a part of the cross section of the toothbrush in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a side view of an embodiment of a toothbrush manufactured using an automatic dispenser of the composition. FIG. 10 is a front view from the top of the toothbrush and dispenser.

  Referring first to FIG. 1, a top perspective view of this embodiment is shown. The dental treatment composition is a two-part composition, each of which is incorporated into a separate part of the brush means. The separate parts are separated by parts not containing the composition in the brush means so that the two parts do not contact each other until the toothbrush is wet with water or saliva and brushing is performed. The toothbrush can be, for example, sprayed, brushed, or otherwise added to the desired areas 34 and 35 of the toothbrush with one of the reactive components and then optionally dried. Can be prepared. Toothbrush 10 is shown to include a handle 32, 12 sets of bristles 17a-17l, bristles support 14, and two parts of a remineralized composition. The first portion 34 is placed between the front bristle 17a, 17b, 17c, 17j, 17k, 17l, and the second portion 35 is the rear bristle 17d, 17e, 17f, 17g, 17h and 17i. No composition is placed in the region 33 between the first portion 34 and the second portion 35 of the bristle support 14.

  FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 showing a first portion 34 of the remineralized composition between the front bristle set 17l, 17k, 17j. (Sets 17a, 17b, and 17c are not shown). In this side view, the second part 35 is shown between the bristle sets 17i, 17h, 17g.

  FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a toothbrush 10 a having brush bristles 17, a portion of a desalting composition 27, a support 14, and a handle 32.

  FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the toothbrush 10 a showing the dried remineralized composition 27 between the bristles 17.

  Referring to FIG. 5, which is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the toothbrush 10b, the bristles 17 are chambers having pellets 20 of dental treatment remineralization compositions that can be either one part or two parts. The support member 14 connected to the handle 12 including 22 is supported. For example, the pellets can all be the same composition or different compositions, with at least one calcium salt, at least one water-soluble phosphate, and a stabilizer or hydrophilic, non-aqueous A water-soluble medium and optionally at least one water-soluble fluorine salt. If it is desired to apply the therapeutic composition, the pellet 20 is removed through the inlet port 28 after moving the inlet port cover 26 to the open position and then placed in the bristle pocket 18 of the bristle 17 of the brush portion 16. Is done. In this embodiment, the inlet port 28 and the inlet port cover 26 are located near the bottom 24. The pellets are spherical solid anhydrous forms, but any of a variety of shapes can be used. Also, any of a variety of means for placing pellets in the brush bristle pocket 18 can be used.

  FIG. 6 is a front sectional view of the toothbrush 10 of FIG. 1, and the pocket 18 of the brush portion 16 is more clearly shown.

  FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the upper part of the toothbrush 10 and shows water 30 and a faucet 32 supplied to the brush part 16. Here, in some embodiments, it is not essential to use water from the tap, as saliva is sufficient to activate the remineralized composition.

  FIG. 8 is a side view partially in section. The remineralized composition is already in the form of a paste or gel, not a pellet. The reason why the pellet 20 is indicated by a broken line in this figure is that the pellet 20 has reacted with water or saliva.

  FIG. 9 is a side view of a different embodiment of the toothbrush 10a. Toothbrush 10a has brush bristles 17 including a portion of remineralized composition 27 inserted by an automatic dispenser 28 having a nozzle 29 adapted to insert paste or gel 27 between the bristles 17. The bristle support portion 14 is integral with the handle 32. The dispenser 28 has a valve 31 and an injection line 30.

  FIG. 10 is a front view from the top of the toothbrush 10a of FIG. The remineralized composition 27 is shown between two sets: a set of brush hairs on the right side of the support 14 and a set of brush hairs on the left side of the support 14.

  The form of the brush can be in the form of a polishing pad capable of holding a dental treatment composition, or other equivalent brush, and the treatment composition is stably stored and can be used with water or saliva. In the case of a two-part composition that is activated only upon contact, the therapeutic composition is only as long as it is activated only when the two parts are mixed by physical contact with the teeth and gums. It will be recognized by those having ordinary knowledge that there can be a wide variety of forms and types.

  Thus, the present invention is well adapted to not only accomplish the goals, achieve the objectives, mention the benefits, but also the other inherent. While the invention has been illustrated and described, and has been defined by reference to certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the above description is not intended to limit the invention and no limitation is inferred . The present invention is capable of significant modifications, alterations, and equivalents in form and function, as recalled by those having ordinary skill in the relevant arts. The illustrated and described preferred embodiments are exemplary only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, fully recognizing equivalents in all respects.

Claims (14)

Brush means;
Means for supporting the brush means;
A part that remains inactive during storage and activates when wet, incorporated in the brush means or means supporting the brush means so as to be activated only when in contact with water or saliva Or having a two-part dental treatment composition,
toothbrush. The brush means is selected from brush bristles and polishing pads;
The toothbrush of claim 1. The means for supporting the brush means is selected from a solid handle, a handle having a chamber inside, a sheath that fits into a finger, and a glove that fits into a finger.
The toothbrush of claim 1. The one-part or two-part composition is selected from the group consisting of a remineralized composition, a whitening composition, and a fluorinated composition.
The apparatus of claim 1. The dental treatment composition is a two-part composition, each of the two parts being incorporated in a different part of the brush means, wherein the different parts are used to brush the toothbrush with water or saliva. Separated by a portion not incorporating the composition so that the two portions do not contact each other until done;
The apparatus of claim 1. The composition is a stable one-part composition comprising two or more salts in a hydrophilic, non-aqueous medium.
The apparatus of claim 1. The composition is a stable one-part composition comprising at least one water-soluble calcium compound and at least one water-soluble phosphate compound in a hydrophilic, non-aqueous medium containing glycerin. Optionally containing a water-soluble fluorine compound,
The apparatus of claim 1. Being prepared by dipping the brush means in a part of a dental treatment composition and drying the composition;
The apparatus of claim 1. A first piece of a first composition on the brush means and a second piece of a second composition spaced apart from the first piece, wherein the first composition and the second piece The compositions are arranged so as not to contact each other,
The apparatus of claim 1. The composition has the form of a dry powder incorporated on or within the brush means such that the toothbrush is stably stored.
The apparatus of claim 1. Providing a toothbrush having brush means and means for supporting the brush means;
A one-part or two-part composition is incorporated on the brush means or in the means supporting the brush means so that it remains inactive during storage and is activated only when contacted with water or saliva Including
A method of manufacturing the toothbrush of claim 1. The composition is incorporated into the means for supporting the brush means such that when a mechanical force is applied to the means for supporting the brush means, the means for supporting the brush means is released to the brush means. Yes,
The method of claim 11. The composition comprises a first part incorporated into a first chamber of the means for supporting the brush means, and a second part incorporated into a second chamber of the means for supporting the brush means, The first part and the second part are released from the means for supporting the brush means to the brush means when a mechanical force is applied to the means for supporting the brush means, and when in contact with each other, water or saliva Configured to react in the presence,
The method of claim 11. Brushing with the product of claim 1,
How to treat teeth.

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